Sundance Winner ‘The Overnighters’ Gets U.S. Distribution

Drafthouse Films has acquired North American theatrical, home video, transactional and other rights to Jesse Moss’ documentary “The Overnighters” from the Film Sales Co.

The film chronicles the plight of men and women seeking work in North Dakota oil fields while a devoted pastor risks everything to help them.

“The Overnighters” premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, where it received a Special Jury Award for Intuitive Filmmaking. It will screen at the upcoming Tribeca Film Festival. A theatrical release is planned for late 2014 with part of box office receipts donated to local affordable housing charities.

Moss spent 18 months in North Dakota, where thousands of desperate men and women are flocking in search of work. Pastor Jay Reinke of Concordia Lutheran Church is under fire for his desire to open the church’s doors to allow the “overnighters” to stay at the church.

“We hope to take this spectacularly thought-provoking documentary all the way to the Oscars in 2015,” said Drafthouse founder Tim League.

“The Overnighters” is a Mile End Films Production, in association with Al Di La Films and Impact Partners, and was produced by Moss and Amanda McBaine.

Variety’s Justin Chang gave the film a positive review at Sundance: “Lensed with a complete absence of frills that perfectly suits its honest, unvarnished tone, ‘The Overnighters’ presents an indelible snapshot of a despairing moment in American history, as men abandon homes, families and dreams to stake their claim in an ever-shrinking land of opportunity.”